Healthy Snacks

Why two healthy snacks each day?

Snacking on nutritious foods between meals keeps energy levels high and the mind alert. In turn, if you're not overly hungry going into the next meal then you're more likely to make better choices and not overeat. It doesn't have a profound effect on metabolism but since you are burning more calories after you eat, it does keep the fire going. Smart snacking can keep you going until next meal, but it's important to pay attention to what you're snacking on.

Dos and Don'ts of snacking:

Do

Do Choose fruggies: Fruits and vegetables are loaded with vitamins, minerals, fiber and antioxidants. Fruggies boost your immune system and protect you from any chronic illnesses. Their fiber content will keep blood sugar more stable reducing risk for cravings and mood swings.

Do Choose healthy proteins found on the Fit Livin' fuel list: Protein takes longer to digest and requires more caloric energy to be digested. Therefore, consuming protein in snacks aids in an increased sense of satiety and fullness and more calories burned post snack.

Do Plan ahead: You never know when the hunger alarm will go off between meals, so be prepared with healthy snacks packed away in your briefcase, purse, desk or fridge at work.

Do Listen to your hunger alarm: Eat when it goes off, and stop eating when it disappears. It's easy to take in too many calories if you're choosing chips, cookies, candy, etc. Those extra calories are bound to turn into extra weight gain over time. Keep each snack to 100-200 calories.

Do Save your carbohydrate foods for meals most of the time.

Do Drink water: (or other non-calorie/low-calorie beverages) between meals so you don't misinterpret your thirst for hunger.